Pilot plant study of alternative filter media for rapid gravity filtration

Sand has been the main filter media used in rapid gravity filtration since its introduction. The dominance of sand has been due to its low cost and availability. Extensive experience has led to sand filters with a dependable and predictable performance. Sand remains the preferred filter medium but usually with a larger sized anthracite capping to reduce the onset of head loss. Other approved filter media are now commercially available and this paper compares sand with recycled glass, Filtralite® and slate at pilot scale. The results have reaffirmed the basic importance of particle size on head loss and turbidity performance rather than surface activity or specific surface area. The results did suggest, however, that particle shape and packing exerted a stronger influence on performance than previously acknowledged. These could be used to improve the design and the contribution to sustainability made by rapid gravity.